With regard to the concept of the Bahá'í community as a
model, one of the distinguishing features of our community is its
"unshakeable consciousness of the oneness of mankind". This
awareness is coupled with the commitment of the believers to endeavour to
uphold spiritual principles "by which solutions can be found for every
social problem", and the practice of which "induces an attitude, a
dynamic, a will, an aspiration, which facilitate the discovery and
implementation of practical measures". In keeping with the evolutionary
nature of organic change, the Bahá'í community represents a model for the
potential and gradual resolution of prejudices and other social ills, but
cannot now present an example of achievement in absolute terms. We see in the
Bahá'í community not only an example of diversity which is intrinsically
attractive and hope inducing, but also the will and desire to work for change
and the initial effects of such change, particularly in the discernible
emergence of a new way of life and in the embryonic operation of the
administrative and social structures being erected. Individual initiative is
reinforced by the Bahá'í community at large and is channelled into constructive
social action by the process of consultation. Clearly, the Bahá'í experience
addresses problems at a fundamental level and realizes the means for their
resolution; however, in presenting the Bahá'í community as a model, care must
of course be taken to avoid giving the impression that all problems have been
solved and all challenges met.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 23 September 1986, written
on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer;
compilation ‘Agriculture and Rural Life’, prepared by the Research Department
of the Universal House of Justice )
